In case you were curious...

Alaina doesn't have a cold.  She has an ailment called RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), complicated by bronchiolitis (which was causing the wheezing).  RSV, at its mildest, is basically a really bad cold.  At it's worst, it means hospitalization, or even death. *cue dramatic music*

Google Health has a nice page with the details: RSV information and statistics.

She appears to be on the upswing. I've scheduled one more trip to the pediatrician (making 3 for this illness) to confirm that.  Don't want to be a hysterical first time parent, but lack of oxygen isn't something to screw around with.

She is also NO LONGER CONTAGIOUS.  So no need to worry.

But it does bring up some interesting reminders for me.  For instance, I've never been a stickler about making people wash their hands before handling Alaina, including children (who are the #1 affected and passer-ons).  Please don't be offended if I ask you to scrub up before holding her.  I don't think you're dirty...just germy.  This has been a rough two weeks for everyone.  And it's not quite over yet!

I am so grateful that her little personality is unchanged even though she feels like garbage.  I know I can be a cranky mess when I'm all congested and not getting enough rest.  But not my daughter.  Sure, she might need a little more love and to be entertained, but I'm happy** to oblige cuddling that baby!

**Sometimes it's not as much fun when she's really tired with a runny nose and has tried to rub her sleepy little eyes, but missed, and so only succeeded in smearing snot all over her face, and is in the process of blowing Guiness Book sized bubbles of drool (and snot, too, I'm sure).  Sometimes, then, it's not quite as much fun to cuddle her...you know when she's a damp cranky tired mess.  But a few quick swipes to the face with a tissue, and we're back in CuddleTown.